**Deadline to Enter the Lifetime Moms Contest 7/14/12**

Register today to take advantage of the EARLY BIRD rate – $77.00 for the one-day event (regularly $97.00).

PURCHASE EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW

Or try our PERFECT PAIR. Save money and purchase two tickets to bring a friend, family member, partner, client, collaborator—or someone you’d like to thank or honor. Just $134.00 for two tickets (regularly $174.00).

PURCHASE A PERFECT PAIR OF TICKETS NOW

Here’s what you can expect:

• Ideas are a dime a dozen, so we’ll assess your action steps and execution plans so you know when to pause and when to pounce to make big things happen.
• There’s no time to get tripped up, so we’ll reveal powerful time management techniques and we’ll bust the real fears that may be preventing you from tackling all you want.
• Standing out among the cluttered masses is key, so we’ll plot branding, social media, marketing and traditional PR strategies that actually work to get you noticed by the right people.
• This isn’t a hobby, so we’ll talk openly about money—from readily available funding sources to pricing for profit to sales techniques that are anything but sleazy.
• Going it alone sucks, so we’ll introduce you to the best group of BBFs—business best friends—the people who’ll hold you accountable and fuel your success.

Time: Doors open at 8:15 AM for registration and the program will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis so make sure to be on time! The day will conclude at approximately 5:00 PM.

Event Schedule

• 8:15 AM – Registration Begins
• 9:00 AM – Welcome
• 10:00 AM – Morning Programs Begin
• 12:00 PM – Lunch and Activities
• 1:00 PM – Afternoon Programs Begin
• 5:00 PM – Event Ends

Want to Volunteer? At each event, we have a limited number of spots for volunteers to assist our staff. If you’re interested, you must be willing to arrive by 7am and stay until as late as 7pm. You will enjoy bits and pieces of the event, but you’ll also be assigned a designated role with various tasks that will prevent you from experiencing the program like a registered attendee. It’s a fast-paced day with lots to juggle. If you’ve worked in client-facing roles and aren’t afraid to roll up your sleeves to help execute an amazing event, send us an email to info@sparkandhustle.com telling us about yourself in 200 words or less. Explain why you’d be the perfect volunteer. Include your contact details too. Thanks!

BUSINESS BASICS KEYNOTE

Kim Oster Holstein, CEO and CIO of Kim and Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels

BRANDING

Carol Perkins, founder of Harry Barker

Ford model Carol Perkins founded Harry Barker in 1997 while recovering from Cushing’s Disease, a life threatening and rare brain tumor. Before her illness, Carol appeared in everything from Vogue to Harper’s Bazaar to Victoria’s Secret. While still modeling, she made her debut on Broadway as a fire-eater with Penn & Teller.
  Homebound during recovery, Carol turned to her love of dogs and textiles for therapy – and began creating dog beds, toys and robes for her friends’ pets.  Soon, she was taking orders and hand sewing each one with care – launching Harry Barker from a table in her New York City loft. Today Harry Barker products are available world-wide at over 1,600 stores and featured at many online retailers.

• I almost threw in the towel when my:  “1. Credit cards to fund my business were canceled, I owed $100,000 and went into debt consolidation. (I paid them all off in 4 years). 2. My accountant told me to ‘Shut down Harry Barker, there’s no hope’. 3. My husband told me ‘It’s either me or the business’.”
• When the going gets tough, I: “Hunker down and get tougher.”
• Little known fact: “I created and co-produced a reality TV show that dealt with addictions called “Anonymous” for Geraldo Rivera.”

@HarryBarkerCo

Jill Salzman, creator of Founding Moms
A graduate of Brown University and law school after that, Jill Salzman started Paperwork Media, a music management firm and her first entrepreneurial venture. (Her parents still wonder why she opted for the music business over the seductive and alluring career of a bankruptcy attorney.)  She went on to create The Bumble Brand to sell Bumble Bells, audible anklewear for the newest of human beings (she sold it in 2011.)  Jill is currently growing her third entrepreneurial venture, The Founding Moms, a kid-friendly collective of monthly meetups for mom entrepreneurs.

• Almost gave up when…: “The 437th ‘professional’ businessperson told me that my business idea would not work.  That I would never make any money.  That it was a cute hobby and not a business.  But all it takes is strapping those boots back on, understanding which ‘professionals’ are the grains of salt, and going out to meet supportive people.  Talking to fellow entrepreneurs.  Brainstorming face-to-face and not via the computer.  Each and every time (I’m onto my third business now) it brings me back to focus and I hold onto that towel.”
• Daring decision: “Kloof.  It’s an adventure activity in southern Africa that involves hiking for hours and then making your way back down the mountain by jumping into deep ravine after deep ravine until you get back to your starting point.  Why did I do it?  No earthly idea.  Will I ever do it again?  Not in a million years.”

@foundingmom

MUSCLE MARKETING

Terese Lang McDonald, founder of Candyality

From Beauty Queen to Candy Empress, Chicago entrepreneur, Terese Lang McDonald is aiming to uncover your personality connections to confections in her chain of candy stores.  Terese a former sales and training executive in the luxury beauty industry used candy profiling techniques to determine individuals selling personalities, and used those findings to heighten the selling skills of 500+ associates.  As sales spiked, and people connected with their inner candy eater, Terese knew that her experience could be transended into an unforgetable experience and new exciting retail destination.  When her timing was right, she created Candyality.

• I almost threw in the towel when: “Minutes before I was to open my first store, I realized that I had to work a cash register which I hadn’t done in about 25 years.”
• The most daring thing I’ve ever done: “Put make up on Jean Paul Gaultier (the French designer) in the back of a limo.”
• Little known fact: “My dog is handicapped and in a wheel chair.”

@candyality

Kathryn Kerrigan, designer and founder of Kathryn Kerrigan Footwear

Designer Kathryn Kerrigan remembers having visited six Chicago-area malls in an attempt to find prom shoes for her size 11 feet.  As an adult, she set out to assist other women from experiencing the same fate. Kathryn launched her own line of shoes and boots that are handcrafted in Europe. Her line includes seasonal selections of booties, flats, sandals and high-heeled pumps to choose from.  As a well respected businesswoman – one of Inc. Magazine’s top 30 entrepreneurs under 30 and one of Crain’s Chicago 40 Business people under 40 – Kathryn’s business mission is about letting all women, no matter what their age or shoe size, feel comfortable and confident, and a great pair of shoes can make all the difference!

• “At the first trade show in which I showcased my collection, a veteran in the footwear industry said I would fail as I had no footwear experience, my designs were not in line with the mass market and that the average price point was too high.”
• Daring decision: “Launched a footwear company at the age of 24 with relatively no money in the bank, no assets and a very large business loan from the bank!”

@kkshoes

Kelly Douglas, founder of Itzy Ritzy

Kelly Douglas founded Itzy Ritzy with a mission to deliver darling and unique products with excellence in quality and customer service. Itzy Ritzy boasts celebrity customers like: Rebecca Romijn, Jerry O’Connell, Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Melissa Joan Hart, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Gwen Stefani & Nicole Richie!

• Five fitting words: “Assertive, competitive, sentimental, generous, & loving.”
• The most daring thing I’ve ever done: “Made it as top 20 finalist for season two of The Apprentice.”

@ItzyRitzy

SALES AND SCALE

Heather Moore, owner of Heather Moore Jewelry

Creating jewelry for close to two decades, Heather Moore is constantly challenging herself as an artist with her ever-evolving designs. Her current line documents milestones with personalized, hand stamped charms in various precious metal combinations. She currently lives in Cleveland, Ohio with her four children, Henry, Leo, Oliver and Coral, who often lend inspiration for new designs.

• When the going gets tough, I: “Take a lot of pictures and revel the moment.  I analyze why something is tough and I fix it. There is a ripple affect in business and life flow with every change – so I look at the big picture and see it through.  And then I document the change…and then I usually make a charm about it!   Because if life doesn’t get tough once in a while, then you may not be trying hard enough! When you figure it out then you have reached another milestone. And kudos to you.
• The most daring thing I’ve ever done is: “Flying a fighter plane and practicing dogfighting over Lake Erie.”

Renata Musial, founder of Frock ‘n Roll Chicago

After more than five years of working as an attorney (and wearing boring frocks), Renata Musial gave up her day job in the Fall of 2011 to pursue another challenge: revolutionizing the way women shop. A lifelong dress lover, Renata launched Frock ‘n Roll Chicago with the goal of bringing boutique dresses and accessories to women at affordable prices and more fun and convenient locations.  Renata lives with her husband in St. Charles, IL, about 40 miles West of Chicago.

• I almost threw in the towel: “After my first public event.  No one showed up (except my mom, bless her, and a handful of also participating vendors).  Five minutes before the event opened, the legs of one of my tables gave way knocking my lovely display of jewelry and accessories to the floor. This sparked a dramatic chain reaction of events that included two dress racks toppling over into two separate glass mirrors, which simultaneous shattered into a gazillion pieces.  I was mortified, near tears, and could only think ‘WHAT am I doing here?’  I wanted to run out the door and never return!  In hindsight, the event was a great success because I met some fantastic female business owners that I now love working with and consider dear friends.”
• Little known fact: “How passionate I am about food. I love to cook and am constantly scouring recipes to recreate from Food & Wine or Bon Apettite Magazine!  If you ask me about some of my most favorite foreign travels (Paris, Japan, Abu Dhabi) the fondest memories I have relate mostly to what we ate! Grocery shopping at gourmet food stores is one of my favorite hobbies; I could get lost in a grocery store for hours! If it has to do with food, I want everything to do with it!”

@FrockNRollChi

MONEY MATTERS
Stacy Kildal, founder of Kildal Services LLC

Stacy lives in Michigan with her fabulous husband and 2 great kids. She is owner/operator of Kildal Services LLC and co-host of Radio Free QuickBooks — she specializes in technology consulting and all things QuickBooks.

• Five fitting words: “Watches any Law and Order.”
• Little known fact: “I’m a very good tap dancer.”

@StacyKildal

OVERCOMING FEAR AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE

Jenni Luke, CEO of Step Up Women’s Network

Jenni Luke is chief executive officer of Step Up Women’s Network, a nonprofit, professional membership organization based in Los Angeles. In this role, she leads one of the most sought-after women’s groups in the country in its second decade of service. Overseeing Step Up’s offices in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, Jenni directs the organization’s objective of helping women and girls reach their potential.

• Five fitting words: “Teach, learn, create, have impact, lead.”
• When the going gets tough, I: “Focus on what is working rather than fretting about what isn’t.”
• Little known fact:  “I drive like a NASCAR racer.”

@jenniluke  @suwn

TABLE HOSTS FOR INFORMAL LUNCH DISCUSSIONS ON SPECIFIC TOPICS:

You hold the “K.E.Y.” to Keep Empowering Yourself!
Janelle Butler, Executive Director with Thirty-One Gifts
As a former teacher, busy mom of three, and active member of my community, I am also happily pursuing a career as an Executive Director with Thirty-One Gifts. I began this journey quite unexpectedly in the spring of 2010 after seeing my first Thirty-One purse online and signing up as a consultant before even receiving my bag! Now with a team of over 320 fantastic women, I am loving the adventure (and the income!) this chapter of my life has opened to me. I also train and speak to groups of women on a regular basis about pursuing their dream in sales, business, or wherever life leads them!
@ThirtyOne

BONUS EXPERTS: Benefit from the expertise of lunchtime table hosts who will share deep knowledge on specific topics with attendees. You’ll have the option to choose the table of your choice.

Meet directly with our sponsors and vendors at this event!

National Sponsors:

Go from Headache to hassle-free with easy, comprehensive online payroll

Grow your business with effective email marketing and more

Accept credit cards on your mobile device and never miss a sale!

Register for any Spark & Hustle event and then enter to win a $10,000 prize package

AVIS is in the business of treating people like people

Receive exclusive weekly offers and rewards just for buying the supplies you need most with MaxPerks Bonus Rewards

If you’d like to become a sponsor or vendor, contact us today.

The DoubleTree Chicago Oak Brook
1909 Spring Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 472 6000

View Larger Map

Parking: There is ample complimentary parking on site.

Recommended Hotel: DoubleTree Chicago – Oak Brook

1909 Springs Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 472-6000

Click here to visit the DoubleTree Chicago – Oak Brook website.

Best rates are always available on the website.  Guests are encouraged to book their reservation through the DoubleTree website.

How long will tickets be available?
Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited in each location. We cannot guarantee that tickets will be available until a certain date.

Will food be provided?
Lunch, light snacks and beverages will be provided. Be sure to have breakfast prior to arriving to the conference as it will not be served.

What should I wear?
Our event is business casual. No sweats, sneakers or sloppy attire! Check Accuweather.com the night before you pack.

What should I bring?
We suggest you bring business cards and/or any other marketing materials that might be helpful when networking with the other attendees. You never know who you’ll meet, but we know incredible connections are always made. If you have a laptop, you’re welcome to bring it, but it’s by no means necessary.

Is early check-in available?
No, registration will open at 8:15 AM. Entry is not permitted prior to that time.

What if I’m late?
The conference will begin promptly at 9:00 AM and we strongly recommend that you arrive on time so as not to miss any of the sessions! However, if you do arrive late, (these things happen!) don’t worry, registration will remain open from 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM.

Will the conference be available on DVD?
No, the conference will not be available on DVD. Designed to be highly interactive, Spark & Hustle conferences are in-person events only. We’ve selected 20 cities around the country to make it easy for everyone to experience the Spark & Hustle energy!

Will I be able to re-enter the event if I need to step out for a moment?
Yes, just make sure your name badge is visible. This will allow conference staff to confirm that you are a registered attendee of the event.

Are cameras allowed?
Yes, but we have one rule around here about cameras – and we’re pretty strict about it. You may only post photos of us that look good! No half-closed eyes, no double-chins, you get the idea. And we’ll do the same for you. Our staff will share photos of you looking your absolute best. Deal? Deal.

Are cell phones allowed?
Yes, but we ask that you kindly turn your phone to silent before entering the event out of respect for our speakers and for your fellow attendees.

Are laptops allowed?
Yes, but we cannot guarantee that the venue will have wireless internet. Please contact a Spark & Hustle team member at (212) 290-2600 for questions on internet availability in a specific location.

Can men attend?
Men are welcome and encouraged to attend Spark & Hustle!

Will the event have wheelchair access?
Yes, all event spaces have wheelchair access. For questions about accommodations for the impaired, contact the Spark & Hustle team at (212) 290-2600.

Can I cancel my ticket if I’ve already paid?
Since space is limited at each of our events, we do not offer refunds if you opt not to attend. You may transfer your fully paid ticket to another person as long as it’s prior to five days before the event start.To make any kind of transfer, you must notify the Spark & Hustle event management team by phone at 212.290.2600 or email at info@sparkandhustle.com. Your request is not confirmed until you receive an acknowledgment of receipt from our staff. By registering for an event, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to these terms.

Can I purchase tickets on site?
No, tickets must be purchased online.

If this describes people you know, then we’d love for you to join the Spark & Hustle Host Committee and become one of Tory’s Top 20 at the event in your area.

It’s pretty simple: register yourself for at least one event and then refer registrants by reaching out to the people you know and believe would benefit from attending. (We’ll gladly send you tips on how to easily accomplish this.)

As a token of our appreciation, we’ve created a sensational benefits package to honor your support.

If you’re interested and ready to rock, please send an email to host@sparkandhustle.com letting us know which event(s) you’ve registered for and include your name, email, phone, location, a bit about you personally and professionally. Also tell us why you’re an ideal Spark & Hustle host to join Tory’s Top 20. You’ll hear back within 24 hours tops.